title: NOTES suction grasper for tubular viscera--characterization of gripping force when varying hole size, diameter, and number.
abstract: This paper details the design and characterization of a novel suction grasper for Natural Orifice Transesophageal Surgery (NOTES). Axial gripping force was optimized by changing hole size, number, and spacing. A 10 kg pig and a rabbit esophagus were used to simulate a neonatal esophagus. Maximum axial forces of up to 7.2 N were achieved. Hole pattern spacing had little to no impact on force while suction area was very significant. Additionally, there was a preference for a greater number of holes versus larger holes for relatively large hole sizes. Lastly, smaller holes resulted in smoother loss of gripping force when beyond maximum holding force was applied.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Piper
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Looi
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Drake
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004947:Esophagus; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011817:Rabbits; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013552:Swine; D014781:Viscera